Whitley: Do you believe that President Obama was born in the United States?

McDonnell: President Obama is a citizen; he is the president of the United States.

That's all, folks.

Perhaps this issue goes away, perhaps it doesn't. There is much Democratic buzz right now about polls (of varying reputation) showing how many Republicans don't believe Obama was born in the United States. But McDonnell's quick dismissal of the issue, which he has called a "distraction," could suffice.

Disclosure: The Times-Dispatch's "Ask the Candidate" chat relied on questions from viewers, including this e-mailed submission from me.

As a Reverse Birther, this is obviously a coded message. Anyone can be a citizen, but to be Prez you must be born in the USA. So his saying that he "is a citizen" means he doesn't believe he should be President.